This is our official list of the best model kits for adults on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and an overview of these awesome model kits.
Quick Look:
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Trends UK Haynes Build Your Own V8 Engine
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Star Wars Millennium Falcon Model Kit
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Fascinations Metal Earth Farm Tractor 3D Metal Model Kit
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Revell AG Germany 1/150 WASA Swedish Regal Sailing Ship
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Wood Trick Hot Rod Wooden Model Car Kit to Build
We know time is of the essence, so the above is a cheat sheet of what’s ahead, just in case your’re in a hurry. Otherwise, keep scrolling down for more detailed and constructive info on each item.
5 Highest Reviewed Model Kits for Adults
Interjected Plastic Model building began in the 1950’s with Lewis Glasser in America, founder of Revell and Nicholas Kove in England, founder of Airfix, when each of them decided to create toys from injection molded plastics. Replica kits were developed that consumers could fabricate with adhesives. The assembled model could be painted and decorated with decals.
At first, scale was not the main concern. It was Airfix that standardized scale sizes. One of Revell ship kit bestsellers was the Cutty Sark was a 1/90 scale. Due to the series of ship kits popularity, scale became more important.
Airfix offered pre-war airplane kits in Balsa wood and Bakealite. By the 60’s plastic kits lead the market. Scaled car kits rose in popularity about the time slot cars became the rage. The 1960’s was the craze era for model building. Magazines and model clubs were created. More model producing companies were formed as different types of models began to hit the market.
If you enjoy model kits for adults as collecting and building, this list offers a variety of fine choices. Our top 5 model kits list contains cars, boats and ships, engine building, farm equipment, and space ships.
1.) Trends UK Haynes Build Your Own V8 Engine
Ever wanted to build your own V8 engine? Trends UK Hayes Build Your Own V8 Engine model kit is just the project for you. This kit has over 100 parts to assemble. The outer case is clear plastic. This allows for the flashing sparks to be seen on this fully working model. You can fire this engine up and watch the internal engine work. It also makes sounds like a V8 engine.
This is one of the more complicated model kits for adults. It is designed for ages 14 and older. It has many movable parts added with some chrome flash. Keeping with tradition, Haynes provides a detailed and logical instruction manual. This engine kit requires three AA batteries which are not provided.
PROS
- Very realistic to an actual V8 engine.
- Great instructional booklet.
- Great learning tool.
- Assembles rather quickly to have so many parts.
CONS
- Small parts are fragile and can easily break.
2.) Star Wars Millennium Falcon Model Kit
For all of you Star Wars fans, this is a great model kit that is easy and fast to assemble. It is a plastic snap together project that does not require glues or paints. There is an optional undercarriage to this kit, plus a movable boarding ramp.
When completed, it is about 17″ long. The kit comes with two figures for a cockpit that have opening doors. The age is 8+ years, so this makes a great large project for younger model enthusiast. The instructions are illustrated.
PROS
- Very easy to assemble.
- Very detailed hull.
- Movable parts.
- Snap together assemblage.
CONS
- Some parts may not fit tight and need gluing.
3.) Fascinations Metal Earth Farm Tractor 3D Metal Model Kit
The new way of kit modeling is using 3D lazer technology. Fascinations Metal Earth Farm Tractor 3D Metal Model Kit is a lazer cut metal two sheet kit that is shipped flat. It comes with instructions. The tractor’s finished size is 2.85″ x 1.75″ x 1.75.
You will need tweezers and needle nose pliers as you will bend the parts to assemble. There is no glue or paint required. The kit is small and requires a light handed approach as the pieces are delicate. You may want to assemble this kit after you have tried a less complicated 3D kit. Recommended for ages 14+.
PROS
- Nicely detailed.
- Quick assembly.
- lightweight shipping.
CONS
- Fragile parts that can easily break.
4.) Revell AG Germany 1/150 WASA Swedish Regal Sailing Ship Model Kit
Revell is known for it’s model ship kits. This kit is made for the experienced assembler. It requires paint, adhesives, and kit assembly tools. These are not included in the kit. This is a large kit with the finished ship being over 17″ long. It is made of plastic. Plan to spend some time on this project. Many small parts and lots of detail included in the assemblage.
Airfix produced a WASA Swedish Regal Sailing Ship model kit several years ago. The Revell kit has more detail provided on the finished product. Great detail on the exterior of the hull on this model. The inside of the hull is hollow except for assembly. Model was not designed to show the interior of the ship. It comes with full booklet of instructions including a numbered paint chart.
The real WASA Swedish Regal Sailing Ship was built in 1626-28 and recovered in 1961. She sunk on her maiden voyage near the harbor. The ship is now located in the Vasa Museum in Stockholm.
PROS
- Very detailed pictorial instruction booklet for assembly.
- Model is very realistically detailed.
- Nice history connected to the ship.
- Large size.
CONS
- Formed sails may arrive dented.
5.) Wood Trick Hot Rod Wooden Model Car Kit
This quality wooden 3D puzzle kit gives you the best experience. It’s made of wood and rubber band material that’s natural.
There isn’t any glue. Of all 3d wooden puzzles for kids and adults, this model is the safest and most exciting. The iconic supercar model kit is made of safe, non-polluting material, and catering to the current global market for eco-conscious toys.
Building this model car kits will help your brain develop the ability to plan and create structured thinking, just like a real engineer. Such adult brain teasers have never been more fun or engaging.
PROS
- Parts easy to assemble
- No glue used
CONS
- Instructions are not very clear
Wrapping Up
These five model kits for adults will bring hours of fun assembling by the model enthusiast. All well designed, these kits will show well when completed. The new laser 3D models will prove to be an interesting development in the world of model kits as it opens up new possibilities.